Energy Analysis is used in conjunction with building information modeling to predict energy loads and usage in buildings.
Phase(s):
Conceptual, Schematic Design and Design Development
Objective(s):
[_] Predict energy loads and usage in a building with performance analysis feedback during design development
[_] Provide multiple alternatives and strategies for better energy performance along with energy-use simulations and carbon footprint of a building
Description:
Energy analysis encompasses many different studies and options that can be done in the initial stages of design to come up with the best possible solution for saving energy. Some of the possible studies are: lighting and daylighting studies, solar studies, thermal simulations, cooling and heating load calculations, CFD or computational fluid dynamics, IEQ or indoor environmental quality, CO2 emissions and other pollutants, electric power simulations and energy usage cost analysis, etc. Energy modeling can be done as soon as the first sketches land on the paper, along with bidding stages to win over the project, and marketing and programming phase later on. Feasibility studies compare different energy alternatives to come up with the best solution for design.
Potential Benefits:
[_] Make better energy and design decisions that are more cost effective early in the process based on more accurate analyses
[_] Promoting high performance building design and providing documentation for sustainability LEED evaluation
Levels of Detail Considerations:
Model accuracy, reliability and level of detail are crucial for valid energy analysis. Level of detail depends on the initial agreement between interested parties and contract requirements, and it is best to keep it aligned with the needs of the project at hand. The companies that use energy modeling can gain a competitive advantage in the feasibility stages of the building delivery process for bidding and winning projects regardless of the owner requests. Energy analysis and modeling can be applied on all projects if the level of detail is kept consistent with the needs of the project, and non-value adding activities are eliminated.
Team Competencies Required:
Creativeness and "open mind" approach
Technical proficiency
Good communication skills
Ability to understand existing systems and technologies
Ability to integrate systems
Understanding emerging technologies
Thinking strategically
Adaptability
Conflict and problem solving
Ability to apply new procedures, tools and methods
Design and development of applications
Characteristics in order to substantiate BIM use
Project – High energy uses projects like healthcare facilities, laboratories, research facilities and data centers, but also favorable on office buildings and schools.
Organization – Commitment in investing in people, their training, and hardware and software to support energy modeling analysis.
Environment – Valuable despite the project environment, but necessary in extremely hot or cold climates with increased energy usage.
Contract – Energy model usually belongs to its creator either architectural or engineering firm, but can be shared in integrated project delivery with all the interested parties that might benefit from the model.
Process – Commitment to energy modeling and BIM with adequate technical training are critical for the successful implementation.
Potential Modeling Methods:
There are a wide range of modeling methods available at this time. Below, there is some news related to some of them:
Bentley Systems had acquired Hevacomp, Ltd., a leading provider of mechanical-system load calculations and system sizing for engineers in the U.K. Now, it is also used in the US. Hevacomp has expanded its capabilities to include carbon calculations and to provide energy-use simulations based on the EnergyPlus engine from the U.S. Department of Energy.
Bentley Tas is a building modeling and simulation tool used for developing thermal simulations, predict energy consumption, CO2 emissions, operating costs and occupant comfort. This tool is used for large and complex projects.
Autodesk bought Carmel Software, a developer of mechanical-engineering software based in San Rafael, California. Carmel’s products include load calculations and system sizing for engineers as well some specialty tools, such as an indoor-pollutant-concentration calculator.
Using GeoPraxis/Green Building Studio architects can more effectively use information in the BIM for testing building performance and validating design options from an energy analysis perspective over the internet. This provides immediate feedback on the energy implications of designs. Green Building Studio relies on a large network of databases containing hourly weather data, design data, and regionally relevant libraries of building characteristics. This tool is very useful in the schematic design phases of a project for the architecture team.
Ecotect is a building analysis program focused on energy modeling, environmentally conscious and green building design, making use of 3D models for the output. Ecotect was acquired by Autodesk in June 2008.
IES <VE> (Integrated Environmental Solutions <Virtual Environment>) is a well integrated and rigorous suite of tools for building energy analysis and design. It can be used during the whole design phase, by the architecture team but also to perform detailed electrical and mechanical analysis.
Potential Outputs:
The outputs included from the energy modeling software in conjunction with BIM are useful for generating LEED documentation and seeing if the systems will meet codes in regards to HVAC mechanical equipment, lighting, daylighting, etc.
Legal / Commitment Considerations:
The absence of a standard BIM contract can hinder the development of a consistent approach throughout the industry.
Additional Resources:
Quantitative Studies: N/A
Case Study Examples:
Army Reserve Training Center - Louisville BIM team
Goal: Energy Analysis
Energy Analysis is used in conjunction with building information modeling to predict energy loads and usage in buildings.Phase(s):
Conceptual, Schematic Design and Design DevelopmentObjective(s):
[_] Predict energy loads and usage in a building with performance analysis feedback during design development[_] Provide multiple alternatives and strategies for better energy performance along with energy-use simulations and carbon footprint of a building
Description:
Energy analysis encompasses many different studies and options that can be done in the initial stages of design to come up with the best possible solution for saving energy. Some of the possible studies are: lighting and daylighting studies, solar studies, thermal simulations, cooling and heating load calculations, CFD or computational fluid dynamics, IEQ or indoor environmental quality, CO2 emissions and other pollutants, electric power simulations and energy usage cost analysis, etc. Energy modeling can be done as soon as the first sketches land on the paper, along with bidding stages to win over the project, and marketing and programming phase later on. Feasibility studies compare different energy alternatives to come up with the best solution for design.Potential Benefits:
[_] Make better energy and design decisions that are more cost effective early in the process based on more accurate analyses[_] Promoting high performance building design and providing documentation for sustainability LEED evaluation
Levels of Detail Considerations:
Model accuracy, reliability and level of detail are crucial for valid energy analysis. Level of detail depends on the initial agreement between interested parties and contract requirements, and it is best to keep it aligned with the needs of the project at hand. The companies that use energy modeling can gain a competitive advantage in the feasibility stages of the building delivery process for bidding and winning projects regardless of the owner requests. Energy analysis and modeling can be applied on all projects if the level of detail is kept consistent with the needs of the project, and non-value adding activities are eliminated.Team Competencies Required:
Characteristics in order to substantiate BIM use
Project – High energy uses projects like healthcare facilities, laboratories, research facilities and data centers, but also favorable on office buildings and schools.Organization – Commitment in investing in people, their training, and hardware and software to support energy modeling analysis.
Environment – Valuable despite the project environment, but necessary in extremely hot or cold climates with increased energy usage.
Contract – Energy model usually belongs to its creator either architectural or engineering firm, but can be shared in integrated project delivery with all the interested parties that might benefit from the model.
Process – Commitment to energy modeling and BIM with adequate technical training are critical for the successful implementation.
Potential Modeling Methods:
There are a wide range of modeling methods available at this time. Below, there is some news related to some of them:Potential Outputs:
The outputs included from the energy modeling software in conjunction with BIM are useful for generating LEED documentation and seeing if the systems will meet codes in regards to HVAC mechanical equipment, lighting, daylighting, etc.Legal / Commitment Considerations:
The absence of a standard BIM contract can hinder the development of a consistent approach throughout the industry.Additional Resources:
Quantitative Studies: N/A
Case Study Examples:
Software Applications:
References: